You may recall that last December publisher THQ announced its intention to leverage the fantastic video game development pool in Montreal with a brand-new studio (and the help of the Canadian government). Today, THQ sent word that it’s finally opened the Montreal studio.

Moreover, the company proudly informed us that they’ve signed notable games designer Patrice Désilets, who’s known for serving as the creative director on top Ubisoft games like the Assassin’s Creed franchise and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. “THQ has the exclusive option to have Désilets work from THQ’s new Montreal studio beginning summer 2011. When he joins the studio, Désilets will be charged with the hiring of a new team that will develop new intellectual properties for THQ,” THQ stated.

The man behind Assassin’s, now spearheading original IP at THQ.

“We expect calendar 2011 to be a watershed year for THQ, and adding developers like Patrice helps ensure our focus on new IP and great games is charted by leading industry artists,” said Danny Bilson, THQ Executive Vice President, Core Games, adding, “Simply put, we can’t wait for Patrice to join THQ. Patrice brings a passion for games rich with action-packed sequences, gripping characters and cinematic flair, and we’re all looking forward to having him and his newly formed team develop an all new franchise with us.”

Senior international brand manager Eric Gallant added, “Patrice was a key member of a team and a good friend and his decision to leave is unfortunate for us but we’re happy for him. For Brotherhood it doesn’t really have a big impact since the creative decisions were made way before this, these decisions are always coming out from different conversations with different people… It’s not only one person that drives the entire ship, it’s a team – and the core team remains the same on Brotherhood. Some core members will always stay on Assassin’s Creed and we’re adding new people as we get bigger.”

Longueuil’s D-BOX Technologies Inc., a developer of high-tech motion systems, said Monday it has made a breakthrough into the aerospace sector.

It announced an initial agreement with California-based Precision Flight Controls, a leading maker of flight devices for pilots and educators.

PFC will offer D-BOX’s motion technology as an option for all new cockpit sales as well as a retrofit, giving PFC’s customer base of colleges, universities, flight schools, government units and also individuals a highly accurate form of flight simulation.

“The D-BOX precision-engineered motion system greatly enhances our flight simulation environment and now we can offer seat-of-the-pants motion cueing only found in much higher-level flight training devices,” said PFC’s CEO Mike Altman. “Pilots will experience the feel of roll, pitch, yaw, turbulence and stall.”

D-BOX’s products have up till now been sold mainly to the entertainment industry, with motion effects specifically programmed for each film, TV program and video game.

You know how it goes — they always offer the first fix for free. And then, when you need more, you have to pay up. A2M and 505 Games have employed this classic strategy for the release of a new piece of Naughty Bear DLC, dubbed “Chapter 9.” The add-on is out today on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, but unlike the previous DLC release, it’ll cost you: 400 Microsoft Points or $4.99, respectively.

Chapter 9 introduces the Island of Perfection, replete with “exclusive hidden treasures, deadly weapons and brutal buccaneers,” and two boss bears for the cuddly curmudgeon to conquer: Admiral Giggles and The Great Bear Beard. The DLC also includes four new challenges. For avast look (see what we did there?) check out the trailer past the break and the images below.

Everyone must RSVP via montreal@igda.org and indicate which topic they want to participate in. Each topic has limited seating of 20. Priority access will be given to IGDA members in good standing. If you are not a member, you can join online before RSVPing.

Roundtables

Doors will open and attendess can mingle starting at 7pm. Doors will close and discussions will officially start at 7:30pm and will run until 9pm. After the discussions, everyone is welcome to the hotel lobby bar to unwind. The roundtable topics are as follows:

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